Australian-Kenyan initiative launched, aims to boost regreening efforts across the country
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 25…The new Australian government funded research initiative focusing on land restoration in Kenya has been unveiled with an AUD 3.5 million (Ksh 287 million) commitment aiming to boost regreening efforts across the country.
With support by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the collaborative project involves key partners which include World Vision Australia, World Vision Kenya, KEFRI, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF), the University of Nairobi and the United Nations University.
Its primary objective is to explore effective adaptation strategies that enhance community-driven regreening initiatives and accelerate the restoration of degraded landscapes in Kenya.
Jane Njuguna, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Director noted that the ‘Regreening for the Future’ initiative builds on long-standing partnerships with institutions and researchers in both Australia and Eastern Africa.
“This project will empower farmers and researchers with the knowledge and tools necessary for developing sustainable regreening strategies that are adaptable to the evolving climate, It will also investigate policies and support structures that enable communities to restore degraded landscapes, enhance food security and build resilience against climate change”, stated Ms Njuguna.
Subsequently, the initiative aligns with Kenya’s government goals of restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded land and increasing tree cover to 32% by 2032, as part of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR 1000) and the Bonn Challenge.
Professor Wendy Umberger, Chief Executive of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research reiterated that Agricultural challenges in Africa and Australia are often shared and Australia’s agricultural innovation system has valuable expertise that can benefit the African context.
“The ‘Regreening for the Future’ project is a direct investment in the people farmers, scientists, and policymakers who are key to driving these changes, this initiative is part of a broader commitment from the Australian Government through ACIAR to support agricultural research and capacity-building in Africa, we also recognise the immense knowledge that Africa offers in this space”,said professor Wendy Umberger.
World Vision Kenya, National Director Gilbert Kamanga noted that World Vision Kenyan is committed to restoring landscapes and building resilient communities to ensure a sustainable future for children, families and communities.
Furthermore, he added that ‘Regreening for the Future’ project is a timely and transformative initiative that will empower farmers and communities with the knowledge, tools, and policy support needed to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance food security.
“We are grateful for the partnership with the Australian Government, World Vision Australia, CIFOR-ICRAF and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) as we work together to empower communities to sustain a greener, more resilient future.”
